Plain Old Dave

Looking into replacing the ol' XS400 with a Rebel 450 when the time comes. I really like mid-size parallel twins, but simply am NOT a fan of the cruiser look. How hard would it be to make a 450 Rebel into more of a roadster (i.e. CM450/ classic CB styling) than a cruiser and are the ergonomics that much different than my ol' 86? If that bike had been a 500 I would still have it as it thus far has been the only bike I have felt confident enough with to grind the foot-pegs regularly. The 250 really reminded me of everything I read about the old Indian 101 Scout; incredible balance and handling...

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JunkyardDog

Welcome. Just be aware that the Rebel 450 is one of the hardest Japanese bikes ever made to find parts for. I would own one if it weren't for that problem. Jerry.

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fastpakr

If you don't like cruisers but do like P-twins, have you considered a Ninja 500?

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Plain Old Dave

Ninja= sportbike.

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fastpakr

Fair enough. You didn't mention anything against sportbikes, just cruisers. As the EX500 is a bit of a sport/standard hybrid, it seemed worth throwing out there.

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fastpakr

Seems to me Triumph may also offer some things that might interest you.

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Plain Old Dave

I love Triumph styling, but an 850+cc bike is a bit big for me. I figured that mention CB/CM styling would rule out sportbikes, sorry I wasn't clear enough.

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fastpakr

I should have picked up on it, not your fault. The EN500 is a bit more standard oriented than a typical cruiser, but it's pure cruiser from a cosmetic standpoint. Shame, really. Might have been just the ticket otherwise.

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JunkyardDog

I own an '09 Ninja 500, I bought it brand new for almost half price a few months ago. It was a deal I couldn't refuse. And I enjoy it immensely. But, I would not want it for an only bike, it is way too uncomfortable (even with handlebar risers, foam grips, and a Corbin seat) to be used as a practical motorcycle. As much fun as it is out on curvy mountain roads, it is pure misery in stop and go city traffic. And it has no place to put anything. I use a backpack.

OTOH, the Vulcan EN500, which uses a slightly detuned version of the Ninja 500 engine is very comfortable, reliable, and has decent performance. It is a cruiser, but not a v-twin, and doesn't have that long low look most cruisers today have.

Unfortunately, there are no current bikes that even come close to the old CB/CM 400/450. I also like the late '70s CB400 Hawk. The Kawasaki KZ400 standard is another good one, and the best one of them all is probably the early '80s Suzuki GS450T.


But the problem with all these bikes, if you can find one in decent shape, is a lack of parts. There are none. The Japanese never were very good at supporting what they sell. I belong to a vintage Japanese motorcycle owners club, which is almost a necessity when you own such a bike, but most of the members have a bike or two that has been sitting around for years because they can't find parts. Jerry.

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